Burn the BOX!!!

The challenge we face today as followers of Jesus is to learn to listen and follow his vision even if it takes us way outside the "normal" bounds of how we the church has done things for the last century.

I was watching a very profound biblical movie the other night with Lisa and the boys, maybe you have heard of it...Evan Almighty. There is a scene where Evan is in his driveway and has just discovered that God has called him to build an ark. Evan begins this laundry list of his plans and what HE was going to do with his life. God, played once again by Morgan Freeman just busts out laughing. I instantly thought of the verse in Proverbs that says "the one enthroned in Heaven laughs." Wow, our best laid plans cause God to laugh. Why? Because most of the time we do not consult him regarding what we are to do.

Once Evan realized that he could not escape God's call, he set himself to building a boat. It was not outside the box thinking, it wasn't even cutting edge thinking. It was I have burned the box, thrown out the map and said 'OK GOD whatca got' kind of thinking.

That is the kind of thinking we need to have today if we are going to make any impact on this world for Jesus. I am not talking about making the gospel 'fun' [although if we can't laugh who can, that's another post], or watered down so that what is preached is just rubbish. Paul himself said that I have become all things to all men so that by doing so I may save some. [1 Cor 9:22-23] He never compromised the gospel, but he burned the box of conventional thinking to reach those who had not heard of Jesus. That is what we are supposed to do as well. Don't be afraid to burn the box of conventional thinking. Don't be afraid to push against the status quo of fundamentalism. Burn the BOX! Think of radical ways to reach people for Jesus. One random act of kindness at a time in the name of Christ will have an impact that will reach for generations to come.

Administrative duties yea!

Short blog today.

The new school year is upon us and we are gearing up for youth group! Today I get to do all the paperwork and administrative stuff that is always so fun! Not. But hey if I don't Shari will be less than happy with me, and for good reason.

It is going to be an awesome year. Be prepared for our fall retreat in October as that is our next bash event. As you all head off to school, stand tall! Walk firmly in your faith and love everyone, especially those who hate you the most!

Elevate youth and let Jesus shine in all you do...now back to paperwork.

Kirk out...

Defining a new reality

In reading Scott Wilson's book: Steering through Chaos it is amazing how quickly someones world can be wrecked when a new reality is defined for us. In Acts chapter one, eleven men in the blink of an eye had their world wrecked as Jesus ascended into heaven with the instructions that they were now in charge of this endeavour. It was now up to them to bring the gospel first to Jerusalem, then to Judea, Samaria and the uttermost ends of the earth. Talk about introducing chaos and wrecking lives.

Think about it for a minute. For three plus years these men followed Jesus with the hope and desire to see his Kingdom come and his reign begin. When Jesus re-defined their reality in John chapters 13-17 they began to realize that things were not going to be as they had anticipated.

Isn't it that way for us also? We get in our heads how something is supposed to be done based upon what we perceive, or how it has always been accomplished in the past. That can be a very large roadblock when God wants to takes us down roads we have never been on before. That is exactly what happened to the disciples. He defined a new reality for them. One that they could have said 'no' to. They could have said: 'I just can't go there or do that. It's going to be too hard and stretch me too much.' Yet they didn't. They floundered for a while, but never lost sight of what Jesus, their leader had called them to. As a result, the church exploded and new converts were added daily. [Acts 2:47]

Scott Wilson says this: 'Change and transition provides wonderful opportunities, but will rattle people you lead to the core.' When that happens the best thing for us as a body to do is go to prayer, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and understand that GOD will speak clearly to us when we do. It is very good to pray individually, but to pray corporately allows GOD not only to speak, but to confirm his vision for us as a body.

Vision 2020 here at COTR is creating chaos and blessing at the same time. If we as a church seek GOD alone and together, the vision he has for us will present itself clearly. Jesus wants to define a new reality for us. One that will take us into the future and impact our community with the truth of the Gospel.

A leaders primary task is to define reality for his people. [Max Depree]

Our Grandson

On August 12 , 2010 Miles Ryan was born. He is our first grandchild and we are blessed that God has given us another generation of family to watch grow. It is just another indication that the LORD desires we continue this experiment called life.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. [Psalm 127:3]

The Man of Prayer

In reading Psalm 109 Yesterday afternoon I was caught by one simple statement made by KING David. It says: '...but, I am a man of prayer.' Psalm 109:4b

I read through the Psalm multiple times in that one sitting trying to digest it all. David is troubled by all those around him who falsely accuse him, lie about him and curse him. They chose to do nothing but speak curses over the King and it drove David to the one place it should drive us all but seldom does: to prayer. We often times bite back, speak curses over someone who has hurt us or said something they should not have. David, as usual, chose to take it to God and allow him to handle the situation. Which is always the better route, as scripture tells us we are blessed or cursed as we bless and curse.

David was a man after God's own heart not because he was someone special. He was a man after God's own heart because he knew GOD was someone special and could be trusted with every issue or stress or hurt he ever had. All of that was born out of the fact that David, above everything else was a Man of Prayer. We are all challenged to be people of prayer, constantly seeking what God wants of us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD. And the peace of GOD which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [Phillipians 4:6-7]

Pray continually (withour ceasing) [1 Thessalonians 5:17]

Find the balance

Last week I posted on my Facebook the following comment:

‎"I believe what really happens in history is this: the old man is always wrong; and the young people are always wrong about what is wrong with him. The practical form it takes is this: that, while the old man may stand by some stupid custom, the young man always attacks it with some theory that turns out to be equally stupid." --G.K. Chesterton--

Chesterton was a witty, comical man who had a depth of insight that we often times lack today.He pokes fun at both the old guard and the new, while giving no answer as to whom is actually right. What I am finding as I age is that how I perceived things in my younger days is no longer how I see them today. Why? The issues have not changed. It just appears that I have. With age comes wisdom, and the scriptures tell us to obtain wisdom and guard it.

There are people in my life who have gone before me, walked the road I am on, learned through the Holy Spirit what way is good, and seek to impart that knowledge. Yet, if I as a younger person (albeit an older/younger person) ignore their wisdom I miss out on valuable Godly insight. I have a couple men in my life who's insight I value very much and as painful as their insight is at times, I strive to apply it to my life and situation. It is part of the growth process that God has started in me. He puts those people in my path for that reason.

Who do you have in your life? Are there those old farts who always have advice for you as you venture down the road of life? Sometimes, in fact, most times if they are Godly people, they are seeking to help you avoid pitfalls and wrong turns. It hurts at times to hear the words of "the older generation" spoken into our lives. We even argue that they "don't really know what they are talking about." Those thoughts are just wrong. They have walked this road and have, I am willing to bet, picked up a bit of wisdom along the way. Let's try to listen to those whom God has blessed with many years under their belts.

Wisdom is found in those who take advice [Proverbs 13:10b]

Ozzie's a bright guy

In reading My utmost for his highest this morning I was struck by the following statement: "A christian is one who trusts the wit and the wisdom of God, and not his own wits. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and leisureliness which ought to characterize the children of God.

Simplicity and leisureliness. Huh, that's a tough one. We are always so quick in how we do things and how we analyze, complicate and stress out about trying to figure out the mind of God. What does he want me to do? Where should I go? What does that mean? On and on it goes until we are so wrapped up in our thoughts and purpose that we miss the simple whisper of God.

Never get so caught up in doing, that we miss being in his presence. Society motivates us to go like crazy. Never sit still, it's unproductive! God directs us to BE STILL and know. Swim against the current today. Be simple and listen for that whisper. Who knows, you just might hear the heart of GOD in the midst of all the chaos.

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountain apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire came a still small voice...Elijah heard it...and stood at the mouth of the cave. [1 Kings 19:11b-13]

Chasing hard after God

Good wet morning.

Looking again at Judges and the sad issue of who's vision do we follow. As the people of Israel entered the promised land, they were operating under the leadership of Joshua and the vision God had given to him and Moses. Once in and settled each tribe went about their own business. Scripture tells us that once Josuha and the Elders died, things began to fall apart. We talked about how there were no next generation leaders raised up as Joshua had been. This was something that needed to happen if the nation was to continue moving forward under the vision that God had for them.

With no leaders, the nation became just a bunch of tribes occasionally united under a judge. What else was lost in the transition from a nomadic tribe to a nation that was to honor and proclaim the works of God? They adopted their own vision. One that was very dangerous. "In those days there was no King, and each man did what was right in his own eyes." In other words, they became their own god. Something that we wrestle with in society today, is it not?

As human beings one of the hardest things for us to do is to bring ourselves into submission under someone else's authority. We like to do it our way, make our own lives and plan our own course. When we accept Christ however, we need to realize we are actually giving him permission to lead and direct our course. We can't just do as we see fit. I mean we could, because God does not get in the way of our freedom to choose. Yet is that really giving ourselves over to God?

No matter what God has called you to do in this life, make sure that it is he that is leading you. Through prayer seek him and his direction so that his perfect purpose for you is being fulfilled. It is only in the center of God's will for us that we will be happy, fulfilled and at peace. Be diligent in seeking God in all you do. He will put you right where you need to be if you make him King.

Only when in the center of his will can we capture his vision for our lives, the church and our community. Joe Stowell from RBC ministries wrote when speaking of Psalm 63: "David understood that true joy and purpose come not from admiring God from a safe distance, but from chasing hard after him."

Chase hard after him today, he wants to be found by you.

Enter his gates

Yesterday at church Fifth Sunday led worship for the congregation. As teens they get nervous about how much practice time they have had and if the songs are right and how they will sound...well you get the picture.

As is usually the case, knowingly or unknowingly their concern for these things pulls them to trust in the LORD more and to seek the move of the Holy Spirit during worship. Songs that were for the most part picked months ago, blessed the body in a way that only God could orchestrate. It is a beautiful thing to hear a body of believers worship together and weep together as teens lead them.

There is never an age limit placed upon God's people before they are fit for service in the house of the LORD. Qualifications are an open heart, a servants attitude and a willingness to be used by God in whatever area he has gifted you in. This has always been the case with Fifth Sunday. Since this will be the last time that this particular line-up will perform together (Shay heads to VFCC in the fall) I would like to thank you for your three years of service to our church. I know the group will continue, as God has already raised up new students and younger students who will become worship leaders for years to come.

To Fifth Sunday, you bless me more that you will ever know! You bless COTR more than you will know with your ability to draw people into the presence of our King. I look forward to what God has in store for all of you! Keep the faith and understand that it is God who calls and it is He who enables us to do that which He calls us to.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 NIV